CHP releases details of emergency Barstow landing

BARSTOW • Engine trouble and power loss were what forced a single-engine airplane to make an emergency landing on Highway 247 south of Barstow, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The plane, a 1992 American General AG5B Tiger, was en route from Las Vegas to La Verne and above the Barstow area at approximately 8:15 a.m. Sunday morning when pilot Joseph Latourelle, 59, broadcasted a "mayday" following the mechanical failure, according to a California Highway Patrol news release.

Latourelle, who was transporting two others — a 51- and 26-year-old woman — "began a controlled descent from 6,500 feet" along Highway 247 near mile marker 70, authorities said.

Repairs to the plane were made on scene at approximately 3 p.m. Responding CHP officers were on-hand to assist with a take-off, but strong winds forced the plane to be taxied to Slash-X Cafe until "further arrangements could be made," according to the news release.

No injuries were reported. All occupants of the plane were from outside of the High Desert.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the incident.

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